Recommended & Not-Recommended Fastest VPN Services of 2019

We all want to stay safe and secure on the internet, but we do not want to compromise on the internet speed. So how can we attain both at the same time? This is where the fastest VPN service comes in. In today’s world VPN is the dire need of every internet user and fast one is always the first priority.

People all around the world use VPN services not only for their security but for various other entertainment purposes like streaming and downloading torrents. They look for the speedy VPN which not only keeps their browsing activity safe but also let them be the fastest on the radar.

VPN is helping internet users to reclaim the lost freedom on the Internet, but the speed concerns that come with the VPN usage, cannot be ignored. So, what you want, online protection or fastest browsing that may end up ransomware payments for the rest of your life? Or both the things in one go?

We have a list of fastest VPN services that won’t disturb your anonymity, keeps you safe while browsing and never let you regret choosing them by making your internet slower.

Our Top Picks for Fastest VPN in 2019 Based on Speed

When it comes to speed, keep one thing in mind that a VPN puts merely a different license plate on your data carload in the flow of traffic. The best VPNs doesn’t slow you down by much.

However, sometimes you have to weigh security against speed, and all the VPN providers rely on the underlying upload and download speeds that your ISP allows.

Below you will find the top five fastest VPNs that offer feature-rich experience packed with the high speed. For sure, speed is one of the crucial things we look for before purchasing a VPN, especially when every other provider claims to be the fastest, so consider these providers who managed to cut our speed tests; you can thank us later!

Meet our Fast and Furious 5 – Expert Recommended

During our analysis, we found that a lot of VPN services falls short on the minimum speed benchmark requirements we have set. Hence we excluded them from our list. This doesn’t mean that those VPNs are not good, but we aim to rank the ones that give top-notch VPN speed on the grounds of many factors. Before getting into more details about the VPN providers’ pros and cons, let’s have a look at the speed test results:

Now, let’s have a brief intro of each of the top 5 fastest VPN services.

1. ExpressVPN – Undoubtedly The Best VPN Service Out There

ExpressVPN outranks quite many VPN providers as it is well known for its overall remarkable performance. ExpressVPN speed is its unique selling proposition and it has one of the fastest networks in the world. It comes handy both in delivering high speed and military-grade security.

2. CyberGhost VPN – Browse Anonymously With This Speedy VPN

CyberGhost, Romanian-based VPN that stands out as a free service without any restrictions. While reviewing Cyberghost VPN, we found that the service is transparent with no hidden agendas of keeping logs or information.

Want more? You can boost your speed with its “extra speed” feature; toggled before you connect. Use and setup are novice-friendly, and live chat is also available if you need a hand.

3. NordVPN – A VPN Service That Doesn’t Bog Down Speed

NordVPN is one of those service providers that not only focus on security but super-fast experience also. Within a short span of time, it has managed to come in the limelight and have been praised by many experts and got featured on highly-reputable websites like PCMag, Forbes, and The Huffington Post.

IPVanish is known as a Tier-1 VPN provider with all the required and advanced VPN features to offer. As a fast VPN option, it offers unlimited bandwidth that is best for all streaming lovers and other netizens. Not only this, but IPVanish has some remarkable features like KillSwitch, unlimited server switching and automatic IP-scrambler that makes a fast and reliable VPN connection.

5. HideMyAss – A VPN With Fast Speeds

Being in the industry for long, HideMyAss needs no introduction. It is unfair not to include them in our VPN speed test, and with no surprise, they made it to the list!

HideMyAss VPN is easy to use and you don’t need any technical knowledge to operate their VPN connection. 30-day money back guarantee is also an advantage as they promise to give you money back if you are satisfied with their service.

What is the Fastest VPN and How to Choose?

Fastest VPN is just not about the speed. It combines all aspects together to provide speed with utmost security. Here’s a list of expert recommended features that a speed VPN should offer. Let’s have a look

How Many Servers Does it Have?

The number of servers plays a crucial role in determining the speed of the VPN. VPNs with more number of servers worldwide are found to work faster as compared to those who do not.

Which Level of Encryption Does It offer?

It is believed that VPN speed takes a hit as the level of encryption increases. AES-256 is reported to provide a slow connection as compared to its predecessor 128bit. So before you opt for a VPN check whether they give you the liberty to switch encryption levels.

List of VPN Protocols it Offers?

VPN protocols also play a significant role in VPN speed. High speed VPNs offer a wide range of VPN protocols which include PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and OpenVPN. PPTP is the quickest VPN protocol but security wise it is the weakest. On the contrary, OpenVPN protocol is the strongest in terms of security but is slowest as compared to other protocols. Make your choice wisely and choose a VPN that lets you choose among different VPN protocols.

Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu?

While searching for a VPN service, it is critically important to see if it works fine with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer and HULU. Streaming sites discourage the use of VPNs resulting in their blockage. Thus it is essential to make sure that the VPN you choose supports streaming websites.

Is it a torrent-friendly?

For users who love torrenting more than anything, it is essential to check if the VPN service offer support to P2P and have dedicated P2P-friendly servers. Most VPN providers strictly prohibit torrenting while using their services.

How many devices can you simultaneously connect?

Before you buy a subscription, know how many devices your chosen VPN can connect simultaneously. More the number of devices allowed better the coverage of a VPN.

Does it keep logs?

A VPN that keeps users’ activities log is a ‘BIG NO.’ VPN that does not fulfill its primary claim of security is entirely untrustworthy. Before selecting the VPN for your needs make sure you read our reviews about whether it keeps a log of your data or not.

Does it offer a split tunneling feature?

With Split tunneling, you can let some of your online traffic encrypted while other device or apps maintain direct access to the internet without VPN encryption. Split tunneling is used to protect the traffic you choose without losing access to other network devices. ExpressVPN is a prominent split tunneling example which offers two different tunneling configurations.

Does it limit you to a certain bandwidth?

We all hate limits, and if something limits us to surf the internet, then it surely not recommended. All the VPN listed as the top 5 fastest VPN services do not have any such kind of bandwidth or server switching limits for users.

How Pricey is the subscription?

The cost of a VPN is an essential factor to consider. Free VPNs are often fascinating to many but little they know that nothing is free in this world, what you save in your wallet is traded with something else. Fast VPNs are often labeled as “pricey,” but they at least don’t trade their user’s privacy.

Now it is time to address most common queries. We asked experts at ReviewsDir about many of the misconceptions and here is what they said.

Is it TRUE that VPNs slow down the internet speed?

In short, Yes!

And if any VPN provider claims that it serves the same internet speed as your regular connection, then we will suggest you to part ways with that VPN provider immediately. Those are nothing but false claims! VPNs aim to safeguard user’s privacy, but for that, they use robust encryption protocols which results in a diminution of VPN speed. Some VPN providers slow down your internet speed to a noticeable amount, whereas some have an effect which is negligible.

Here is why internet speed drops after connecting to a VPN.

Farther the server, slower the speed

High level encryption (mainly higher than 256 bit)

Interference by Firewalls

Bad VPN routing algorithms

Your ISP speed

ISP Throttling

Wrong protocol selection

So, what is the solution? Let us give you some tips to boost your VPN performance.

Tips to boost the internet speed of VPN?

Here’re some tested tips that can boost your VPN performance.

Minimize the Server Gap

Choosing a VPN server that is close to your location will help increase your VPN speed. For instance, if you are in Asia and want to stream content that is in the US then choose a server that is on the west coast of the USA. Similarly, if you are in Europe then prefer using a server that resides near the European coast. Additionally, if you know the location of the server is hosting the content, you desire, and then choose the VPN server closest to it for faster connectivity.

Know Your Need and VPN Protocols

VPN protocols play a vital role in connection speed. Fastest VPNs mentioned above offer a wide range of VPN protocols, these include PPTP, SSTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN. Amongst these four, PPTP and L2TP are the fastest protocols, but your geo-location also matters. If you are facing slow internet connection after using a VPN, then you can try switching between different VPN protocols as location plays a key role.

Your Internet Speed Matters

WiFi is comparatively is slower than the wired alternative. A VPN can never provide seamless connectivity unless a fast internet connection supports it. Thus, Internet connection plays a crucial role in speed connectivity after connecting to a VPN.

Remember: “High Encryption = Slow Speed”

Military-Grade AES-256 is notoriously a slow encryption choice for a fast VPN. However, it is incredibly secure as compared to its previous version 128 and 192 encryptions.

Firewalls and AntiViruses are Anti-Speed

Some firewalls and antivirus cause speed issues. You can turn off the firewalls and third-party security apps to enjoy better VPN speed.

Speed Boosters are SCAMS

There are iOS and Android apps that claim VPN speed can be increased. They offer different add-ons and browser extensions to help users improve their VPN speed; it is nothing but a scam.

These apps are mostly free, and they aim to mine your data and bombard you with inappropriate ads. This is not possible for a third-party app to boost a VPN speed; it even sounds unrealistic.

Only optimized gaming networks can claim such promises as they ensure that your internet takes the shortest possible route to reduce ping. Even these are paid subscriptions so there is no truth when a free app claims it can boost a VPN speed.

Myth Surrounding the Fastest VPN – Busted!

VPNs are often misunderstood as they are comparatively new to many. Below are some common myths that are often disguised as queries on the internet.

Does a Fast VPN Compromise on Security?

Security and speed are the two main constitutes of a VPN, but there is often a particular argument that speed and security can’t go hand in hand. It is an undeniable fact that there is a price of everything; you lose something to gain something. But is it the case of a speedy VPN service? Let’s find out;

A fast VPN for streaming aims to provide a smooth streaming experience, but not at the cost of your security. A VPN vendor ensures that no matter what its user’s do the security does stays intact and is not compromised. Similarly VPNs (especially the ones listed above) are conscious about both speed and security, be it streaming, torrenting or gaming.

Does VPN Make Your Device Hack-Proof?

The core use of a VPN is to hide IP address and encrypt online traffic. A VPN is not built to save you from viruses online; neither can it stop you from clicking a phishing link. Antiviruses can help protect you from malware threats, but even they cannot restrict you click a wrong link.

Will my Internet Work Faster When I Use a VPN?

How can you even think of it? It sounds like squeezing more juice out of a lemon that it already has. If you have an internet speed of 10MB and you are expecting that after subscribing to a VPN you will have your connection speed increased, and then it is not your fault, you are misguided.

All VPNs are More or Less Same

VPN differ a lot. They vary with the level of encryption they provide, many servers they have, the speed VPN offers and VPN protocols come with the service pack. While VPNs are made with a single aim in mind, they differ with one another on more than one aspect. There are separate VPNs that are best for torrenting, then there are the ones that are perfect for corporate setups, and then there are the ultimate fastest VPNs that are unanimously applauded.

What else can I do with a Fastest VPN?

Up Your Gaming Experience

Smooth and secure gaming experience is what every gamer dreams. Gamers perceive that because VPNs connect through farther routes which result in higher ping and lag. However little they know that using a VPN can save you from potential DDoS attack and by tweaking some settings you can also yield maximum connection speed. Try it:

Connecting to a VPN server that is close to the gaming server

Connecting to a VPN server that is close to your location

Consider connecting to a mediator in between your location and gaming server.

Anonymously Download Torrent without Getting Caught

Since VPN makes its user anonymous on the internet, it is loved by torrenters that love hiding their real identity. Speediest VPNs are an excellent match for a torrent user as they are quick yet secure. But before you opt for a Torrent VPN for downloading, here are some factors you should check.

Should possess zero logging policy

Offers DNS Protection

Should allow P2P

Provides Unlimited Bandwidth

Possess a killswitch

How the Fastest VPN Service Aids Streaming?

Online streaming has made it so easy to catch up with everything on the go. Today top streaming sites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer and HULU are just a click away. Though online streaming has changed how and where we enjoy, but strict geo-restrictions policies have obstructed this entertainment to many.

VPNs with high speed are more than a blessing in such dire times. They not only unblock geo-restricted content but with their fast speed enable smooth streaming online. If you need a VPN to watch your favorite show or movies online, then the VPN service should be your ultimate choice.

Guards VOIP Communications

Skype is one of the prominent VOIP (Voice Over Internet Provider) app. However, it is blocked in many Middle Eastern countries. A mid-level understanding of internet protocols can unblock Skype, but the risk involved in an interception by agencies is what discourages many. A VPN is a perfect alternative to this issue. A VPN possess the tendency to unblock popular VOIP connections with being anonymous.

Save More When Booking Flight Tickets

Traveling websites use cookies and data gathering methods that reveal geo-location; it helps them target their potential customers. If they feel that a customer is interested, they charge more money. But their fares differ from country to country.

A VPN can help you save some bucks when booking airline tickets, sounds impressive isn’t it!

Here’s how to.

Check and compare prices of airline tickets

Connect a VPN and select the country which offers the lowest price

Book your flight and enjoy!

Now you know what a VPN with fastest speed is capable of and what benefits you can yield from it. Now it is time to mention some not recommended VPNs that have the lowest ratings in the market.

3 VPNs That Are NOT Recommended By ReviewsDir Experts

As you have come down to this part of the blog, you must be familiar with the fastest VPN. Here are the not so recommended VPNs. These include;

Avira Phantom

BolehVPN

Betternet

We do not suggest these slow VPNs to those irresistible internet freaks that hardly wait seconds for a site to load. Moreover, it is not for a general audience as well which demand seamless and secure internet.

Our Take on Fastest VPN Service

Many factors help rank VPNs, and speed is on the top of the list. Though speed is not everything and there are other factors too, but choosing a VPN ensures that every other high-end feature will come intact.

Experts at ReviewsDir rate ExpressVPN to be the best VPN amongst all others in 2019. It has outclassed its competitors in terms of stability, connectivity, and security. We hope that we shared a good insight from the VPN industry and it will help you choose the right VPN service that provide both speed and security.

We would love to hear from our readers in the comment section below. Enlighten us with your experiences with VPNs in your daily life.

Comments [48]

First I just want to say what a great website you have created, very informative. I am using Avast VPN on a Windows computer and Google Chrome browser. Without a VPN I am getting download speeds up to 180 MB, and 24 MB up, using Ookla to test speeds. Using Avast VPN drops that to 40-60 MB down and 2-3 MB up, and I have tried using multiple locations from Miami to Atlanta, NY, Chicago and Jacksonville. Miami and NY are classed as P2P. My location is S Florida. When I download torrents my speed falls drastically. With one torrent downloading I get 6 MB down and up. 2 torrents simultaneously 2.5 MB down and 1.4 MB up. 3 torrents 2 MB down and 1.5 up, and 4 torrents 1 MB down and up. I have conducted dozens of tests over the course of the day to get an average of the speeds. I had previously used Private Internet Access, which was faster at the beginning of my one year subscription, but the speeds deteriorated towards the end of that one year subscription to speeds similar to Avast’s. Do you have any suggestions for a fastest VPN for streaming and torrenting? I only download torrents once or twice a month.

Hello Jeff. I understand the trouble you’re having with torrents. It is a known issue with all VPN users, where the speed generally being compromised to a great level. To the best of my experience, the speed fluctuation has an impact from the location you are connected. So my first advice here is to try out switching to different servers and see which one has a better download and upload speed in your Torrent client. Also, do check the health of the torrent file – sometimes it is the issue from the tracker we are downloading. We have covered a detailed guide on how to download torrent safely which covers the speed area also.

Now coming back to the recommendation – I am a big fan of ExpressVPN as personally I have never encountered an issue while downloading torrent with this premium fast VPN connection. I download 2-3 torrent files every week, and for me the German and Florida server works like a charm. I only see a drop of 10% in speed compared to what I get without a VPN, which is a fair reduction.

Hope this answers the question. Let me know if you need any more help. And thanks for appreciating our work!

Hi Harry. Though both the VPNs deliver good speed while browsing the web. However, we found ExpressVPN better in terms of speed and stability. And not just you get fast VPN connection from ExpressVPN, but there are various other features that you’ll surely enjoy!

Sorry but NordVPN is slow. I spent hours with these people trying all kinds of things. It always worked out with VPN running my speeds were 2/3 to 1/2 of what I normally got. In my opinion I don’t think VPN is ready for prime time. I’m not willing to sacrifice that much speed for VPN. I work from home and am uploading and downloading all day. I don’t want to spend more time trying to get files back and forth than I need to. Sounds like HMA is the preferred VPN here. I will check them out.

Shout out to you ReviewsDir. really doing a fantastic job. Even responding to what people have to say. Definitely a site and a post to recommend! I haven’t tried HMA orr HSS paid. In paid subs, I’ve only used Ivacy and Nord and the experience was pretty decent in both cases (I mainly use them for browsing and casual downloading). Guess the associated costs are justified.

Thanks for appreciating our work – we do our best to bring the best to our audience.

Both Ivacy and NordVPN are one of the best options when it comes to speed, however, we see Ivacy more as a ‘privacy’ themed VPN service provider. Our tests didn’t include Ivacy in the first place, but in the second round of our speedy VPN test, we will add Ivacy and some other VPNs as mentioned by other contributors. Cheers!

TorVPN! Have been a satsfied user of them for last 5 years. They don’t keep logs of users and most importantly they have a 24/7 customer support service, the fastest vpn service I have had so far. Can’t recommend them enough! 👍

Indeed, TorVPN is among the top VPN service that take privacy seriously. In the first roundup, we didn’t test their service for a high-speed VPN, but we will surely consider it adding in the second round. Cheers! 👍🏻

Thanks for sharing your valuable feedback, and sad to hear that you didn’t had very good experience with Express. However, in our first roundup we didn’t include AirVPN in the speedy VPNs list, but it will surely be part of our review in the upcoming test. Cheers! 😊

I am surprised to see NordVPN because I had them for three months and the experience was not satisfactory. I switched to Astrill and so far the speed I am getting is worth the money I am paying for. Hope to see Astrill on your next update 😉

Thanks for sharing your valuable feedback, and we are sorry to hear about the experience you had with NordVPN. Astrill VPN indeed offers great VPN service, however, our first roundup didn’t include Astrill, but will surely run a test on it. Cheers! 😉

Getting Fastest VPN for my region is indeed a tough task. However getting this list makes me feel a bit relax and for my opinion Express uptill now is showing a very good result when talking about fastest VPN service

Been hearing a lot about IPVanish and PureVPN. If I use any of these fastest VPN services, will I be able to watch any Korean drama on the US website? They detect my IP address to indicate where I live and I cannot access to the US site for live streaming due to the content restriction.